Migraine: Forever forget about the headache

Migraine: Forever forget about the headache.

Part 1: Understanding the enemy: What is migraine really?

Migraine is much more than just a severe headache. This is a complex neurological disease, characterized by repeating attacks with a pulsating headache, often accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia (sensitivity to light) and sound (sensitivity to sound). Unlike an ordinary headache, migraine can significantly affect a person’s ability to function, violating work, study and social life.

1.1. The difference between headache and migraine:

The key difference is the intensity and related symptoms. An ordinary headache is often described as a dull, aching pain that can cover the entire head. Migraine, on the contrary, is usually pulsating pain, often localized on one side of the head. Moreover, migraine is often accompanied by:

• Nausea and/or vomiting: The feeling of nausea and even vomiting are common symptoms of migraines.
• Photophobia (photophobia): Bright light can significantly enhance pain and discomfort.
• Sound (phonophobia): Even quiet sounds can seem deafening and unbearable.
• Osmophobia: Sensitivity to smells. Some smells that usually do not bother can provoke or strengthen migraine.
• Visual disorders: Some people experience visual disorders, such as flashing lights, zigzag lines or blind spots (aura).

1.2. Migraine types:

Migraine is divided into several types, each of which has its own characteristics:

• Migraine with aura: This type of migraine includes warning symptoms known as an aura that usually lasts from a few minutes to an hour. The aura can manifest itself in the form of visual disorders, such as flashing lights or zigzag lines, sensory changes, such as tingling or numbness, or speech problems.
• Migraine without aura: This is the most common type of migraine, which accounts for about 70-80% of all cases. In this type of migraine, there is no aura.
• Chronic migraine: Chronic migraine is defined as a headache that occurs 15 or more days a month for at least three months, and at least 8 of these days correspond to migraine criteria.
• Hemiplegic migraine: This is a rare type of migraine, which causes weakness or paralysis of one side of the body. Symptoms can simulate a stroke.
• Migraine of the brain stem: This type of migraine causes the symptoms emanating from the brain trunk, such as dizziness, ears in the ears, dualization in the eyes, problems with coordination and impaired consciousness.

1.3. Migraine stages:

Migraine often passes through several stages:

• Prodromal phase: This phase can begin a few hours or even days before the start of a headache. Symptoms may include mood changes, fatigue, irritability, craving for food and difficulties with concentration.
• Aura: As described above, the aura can occur immediately in front of a headache.
• Phase of the headache: This is a phase when a headache itself occurs. The pain is usually pulsating and can be localized on one side of the head.
• The postrome phase: After the headache subsides, a person can feel exhausted, tangled and irritable. This phase can last up to 24 hours.

1.4. Neurological mechanisms of migraines:

The exact mechanisms underlying migraines are not fully studied, but it is believed that they are associated with the interaction of genetic factors, environmental factors and changes in brain activity. Key elements include:

• Trigeminal nervous system: This system of nerves in the person and head plays an important role in the development of migraine. Activation of the trigeminal nerve leads to the release of substances that cause inflammation and expansion of blood vessels in the brain.
• Neurotransmitter: Neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and glutamate, play a role in transmitting pain signals in the brain. The imbalance of these neurotransmitters can contribute to migraine.
• Genetics: Migraine is often inherited, which indicates a genetic predisposition. Studies have identified several genes that can increase the risk of migraine.
• CGRP (Calcitonin-Gen-tied peptide): CGRP is a protein that is released by the trigeminal nerve during migraine attack. It causes the expansion of blood vessels in the brain and is involved in the transmission of pain signals. New drugs aimed at CGRP were effective in the prevention of migraine.

Part 2: Identification of hidden enemies: migraine triggers

Migraine rarely occurs spontaneously. Often it is provoked by certain factors called triggers. The identification and avoidance of these triggers is an important step in managing migraine. Triggers vary from person to person, so keeping a headache diary can help determine your personal triggers.

2.1. General migraines triggers:

• Stress: Stress is one of the most common migraine triggers. Stress management using relaxation methods, such as yoga, meditation or breathing exercises, can help reduce the frequency of migraine.
• Diet: Certain products and drinks can provoke migraines in susceptible people. Common diet triggers include:
  • Sustained cheeses: Contain tiramin.
  • Processed meat: Contains nitrates and nitrites.
  • Chocolate: Contains caffeine and phenylethylamine.
  • Alcohol: Especially red wine and beer.
  • Artificial sweeteners: Aspartam.
  • Caffeine: Although caffeine can relieve headache in some cases, the abuse of caffeine or its sharp cessation can provoke migraines.
  • Glutamate sodium (MSG): Common food supplement.
• Hormonal changes: In women, hormone levels associated with menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can provoke migraines.
• Weather changes: Changes in atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity can provoke migraine in some people.
• Sleep disorders: Lack of sleep, excess sleep or violation of sleep mode can provoke migraines.
• Self -senses: Bright light, loud sounds and strong smells can provoke migraines.
• Missed meals: Passing for food intake can lead to a decrease in blood sugar, which can provoke migraines.
• Dehydration: Insufficient fluid consumption can provoke migraines.
• Physical activity: Intensive physical exercises can provoke migraines in some people.
• Medications: Some drugs, such as vasodilators and oral contraceptives, can provoke migraines.
• Environmental factors: Air pollution, smoke and other environmental factors can provoke migraines.

2.2. How to identify their triggers:

• Headache diary: Keeping a headache diary is one of the most effective ways to identify their migraine triggers. Write down the following:
  • The date and time of the beginning of the headache.
  • The intensity of pain (on a scale from 1 to 10).
  • Symptoms accompanying headache (nausea, photophobia, sound, etc.).
  • The medicines that you are taking.
  • Any potential triggers that could cause headache (stress, food, drinks, weather, sleep, etc.).
• Experiment with the exception: After you have determined potential triggers, try to exclude them one after another from your life to see if the migraine frequency decreases.
• Work with your doctor: Discuss your headache diary with your doctor. They can help you determine your triggers and develop a treatment plan.

Part 3: Arsenal of weapons: Migraine treatment

Migraine treatment includes two main approaches: stopping acute attacks and preventive treatment to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

3.1. Relocation of sharp seizures:

The aim of stopping acute attacks is to relieve pain and other symptoms during migraine attacks. Treatment options include:

• Painkillers:
  • Right -up painkillers: Paracetamol (acetaminophene), Ibuprofen and Nenvproxen can be effective for migrants of migraine light and moderate attacks. It is important to take them as soon as possible after the start of the attack.
  • Recipe painkillers: In some cases, the doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers, such as opioids, but they should be used with caution due to the risk of addiction.
• TRIPTA: Triptans are a class of drugs that are specially designed for the treatment of migraine. They work by narrowing the blood vessels in the brain and blocking the release of substances that cause inflammation. Triptans are produced in various forms, including tablets, nasal sprays and injections. The common triptans include forwarding, risatriciptan, gymitripphanes and eletrippan.
• Digidrérgotamine (DHE): Dhe is another medicine that can be effective in the treatment of migraine. It works, narrowing the blood vessels in the brain and blocking the release of substances that cause inflammation. Dhe is available in the form of injections, nasal sprays and tablets.
• Antimetics: Anthematics are drugs that help reduce nausea and vomiting, which often accompany migraine. Common anti -emitics include metoclopramide and coolropezine.
• CGRP antagonists: A group of drugs blocking CGRP. They can be used to stop migraine attacks. Examples include ubrogeepant and rimegepant.

3.2. Preventive treatment:

The purpose of preventive treatment is to reduce the frequency, severity and duration of migraine attacks. Preventive drugs are usually taken daily, even when you do not have a headache. Preventive treatment options include:

• Beta blockers: Beta blockers, such as propranolol and metoprolol, are often used to prevent migraine. They work by blocking the action of adrenaline, which can contribute to the occurrence of migraine.
• Calcium channel blockers: Calcium channel blockers, such as fluanarisine, can be effective for the prevention of migraine, especially migraines with an aura.
• Antidepressants: Some antidepressants, such as amitriptylin and wenlafaxin, can be effective for migraine prevention. They work by adjusting the level of neurotransmitters in the brain.
• Anticonvulsants: Some anticonvulsants, such as topiramate and valproic acid, can be effective for migraine prevention.
• CGRP antibodies: These drugs, such as Erenumab, Freanzumab, Galkanzumab and Eptynesumab, are aimed at CGRP or its receptor and can significantly reduce the migraine frequency. They are introduced monthly or quarterly by injection.
• Botulininic toxin (Botox): Botox is approved for the treatment of chronic migraine. It is inserted into the muscles of the head and neck for about every three months.

3.3. Other treatment methods:

• Biological feedback (biofidBEC): This is a method that helps people learn to control physiological reactions, such as heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension. Biofidback can be effective for reducing the migraine frequency.
• Acupuncture (Iglowerie): Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical equipment that includes the introduction of thin needles into certain points on the body. Acupuncture can be effective for reducing the migraine frequency.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (KPT): KPT is a type of psychotherapy that helps people to identify and change negative thoughts and behavior. KPT can be effective for managing stress and reducing migraine frequency.
• Meditation and relaxation: Relaxation methods, such as meditation, yoga and deep breathing, can help reduce stress and stress that can contribute to migraines.

3.4. Choosing the right treatment:

The choice of proper treatment of migraine depends on several factors, including the frequency, severity and type of migraine, as well as your personal preferences and health status. It is important to talk with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Part 4: Holistic approach: Change in lifestyle to prevent migraine

In addition to drug treatment, a change in lifestyle can significantly affect the frequency and severity of migraine. A holistic approach, including a diet, physical exercises, sleep and stress control, can become a powerful tool in the fight against migraine.

4.1. Diet and Migraine:

• Regular nutrition: Never miss meals. Try to eat regularly to maintain a stable blood sugar.
• Sufficient water consumption: Dehydration is a common migraine trigger. Drink enough water during the day.
• Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid products and drinks that provoke you migraine.
• Anti -inflammatory diet: Consider the possibility of inclusion in your diet with anti -inflammatory properties, such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), olive oil, fruits and vegetables.
• Magnesium: Some studies show that magnesium additives can be useful for migraine prevention. Talk to your doctor to find out if magnesium is suitable for you.
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Vitamin B2 can also be useful for migraine prevention.
• Coenzim q10: Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that can help reduce the migraine frequency.

4.2. Exercise and migraine:

• Regular exercises: Regular moderate exercises can help reduce stress and stress, which can help prevent migraine.
• Avoid overwork: Avoid intense exercises that migraine can provoke.
• Stretching and yoga: Stretching and yoga can help relieve tension in the muscles of the neck and shoulders, which can help prevent migraine.
• Be careful with dehydration: Make sure you drink enough fluid during and after training.

4.3. Sleep and Migraine:

• Regular sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
• Sufficient amount of sleep: Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep per day.
• Create a relaxing routine before bedtime: Take a warm bath, read the book or listen to relaxing music before going to bed.
• Optimize your bedroom: Make your bedroom dark, quiet and cool.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime: Caffeine and alcohol can break your sleep.

4.4. Stress and migraine management:

• Relaxation methods: Practice relaxation methods such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga or tai-chi.
• Time management: Learn to effectively manage your time to reduce stress.
• Take breaks: Take regular breaks during the day to relax and relax.
• Do what you like: Find the time for a hobby and classes that give you pleasure.
• Seek for help: If you experience severe stress, seek help from the therapist or consultant.

Part 5: Life with migraine: tips and strategies

Life with migraine can be complicated, but with the right approach and strategies you can significantly improve the quality of life.

5.1. Develop an action plan for migraines:

To have a pre -developed plan for what to do during an attack of migraine can help you feel more controlled and reduce stress.

• Determine your early signs: Learn to recognize your early signs of migraines so that you can start treatment as early as possible.
• Have medications at hand: Always have your medicines for migraine at hand.
• Create a quiet, dark place: Determine the quiet, dark place where you can leave when you have a migraine.
• Apply cold or heat: Attach a cold compress or ice to the head or neck. Or take a warm shower or bath.
• Relax: Try to relax and sleep when you have a migraine.
• Ask for help: Feel free to ask for help from a family and friends.

5.2. Replace your migraines:

• Tell your family and friends: Explain to your loved ones what migraine is and how it affects you. Ask them about support and understanding.
• Tell your employer: If your migraine affects your work, tell your employer. Together you can develop an adaptation plan.
• Communicate with other people living with migraine: Join the support group or online forum for people living with migraine. The exchange of experience and tips can be very useful.

5.3. Be patient and persistent:

Migraine management is a constant process. It is important to be patient and persistent. Do not give up if you do not see the results at once. Continue to work with your doctor to find a treatment plan that is right for you.

5.4. Do not blame yourself:

Migraine is not your fault. This is a neurological disease that can happen to anyone. Do not blame yourself for your migraine. Focus on the fact that you can control, for example, on a healthy lifestyle and observing the treatment plan.

5.5. Track progress:

Regularly track your symptoms to see how your treatment is moving. This will help you determine what works and what does not, and make the necessary adjustments.

Part 6: Alternative treatment methods: Consider options

In addition to traditional medical methods of treatment, there are alternative treatment methods that can help some people with migraine. It is important to discuss these options with your doctor before trying them.

6.1. Massage:

Massage can help relieve tension in the muscles of the neck and shoulders, which can help prevent migraine.

6.2. Herbal remedies:

Some herbs, such as white -skinned, ginger and lavender, can be useful for the prevention or alleviation of migraine. It is important to talk with your doctor before taking any herbal remedies, as they can interact with other drugs.

6.3. Homeopathy:

Some people with migraine find relief with the help of homeopathic remedies. It is important to consult a qualified homeopath.

6.4. Dietary additives:

As mentioned earlier, magnesium, vitamin B2 and Coenzyme Q10 can be useful for migraine prevention.

6.5. Manual therapy (chiropractic):

Some people with migraine find relief with manual therapy. It is important to consult a qualified manual therapist.

Part 7: Migraine and children:

Migraine can hit not only adults, but also children. Symptoms of migraines in children can be different than in adults.

7.1. Symptoms of migraines in children:

• Headache: In children, headache can be less intense and less localized than in adults.
• Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain is a common symptom of migraine in children.
• Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are also common in children with migraine.
• Dizziness: Dizziness can be a symptom of migraine in children.
• Mood changes: Children with migraine can be irritable, tearful or depressed.
• Photophobia and sound: Children with migraine can be sensitive to light and sound.

7.2. Migraine treatment in children:

Migraine treatment in children includes both drugs and non -drug treatment methods.

• Non -drug treatment methods:
  • Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid migraine triggers in a child.
  • Regular sleep schedule: Make sure that the child receives enough sleep and adheres to a regular sleep schedule.
  • Healthy nutrition: Make sure that the child eats healthy food and avoids missing meals.
  • Stress management: Teach the child to manage stress, such as meditation or deep breathing.
• Medication methods of treatment:
  • Painkillers: Paracetamol (acetaminophene) or ibuprofen can be effective with migrants of migraine light and moderate attacks.
  • TRIPTA: Triptans can be effective in the treatment of migraines in children over 12 years of age. It is important to consult a doctor to make sure that tripan is safe for your child.
  • Preventive drugs: In some cases, the doctor may prescribe preventive drugs to reduce the migraine frequency in a child.

7.3. It is important to consult a doctor:

If your child has frequent or severe headaches, it is important to consult a doctor to exclude other reasons and develop a treatment plan.

Part 8: Migraine and pregnancy:

Migraine can affect pregnancy. In some women, migraine improves during pregnancy, while in others it worsens.

8.1. Migraine treatment during pregnancy:

Migraine treatment during pregnancy should be careful to avoid harm to the child.

• Non -drug treatment methods:
  • Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid migraine triggers.
  • Regular sleep schedule: Make sure you get enough sleep and adhere to a regular sleep schedule.
  • Healthy nutrition: Make sure you eat healthy food and avoid missing meals.
  • Stress management: Practice stress management methods such as meditation or deep breathing.
• Medication methods of treatment:
  • Paracetamol (acetaminophen): Paracetamol is considered safe for admission during pregnancy.
  • Ibuprofen and Naproxen: Ibuprofen and Narksen should be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy.
  • TRIPTA: Triptans should be used with caution during pregnancy. It is important to consult a doctor to make sure that tripan is safe for you and your child.

8.2. It is important to consult a doctor:

If you are pregnant and suffer from migraine, it is important to consult a doctor to develop a treatment plan that is safe for you and your child.

Part 9: New developments in the treatment of migraines:

Scientific research in the field of migraine continues, and new methods of treatment appear.

• CGRP antagonists: As mentioned earlier, CGRP antagonists are a new class of drugs that showed themselves promising in the prevention and treatment of migraines.
• Neurostimulation: Neurostimulation is a method that uses electrical or magnetic impulses to stimulate nerves in the brain. Some studies show that neurostimulation can be effective for the prevention and treatment of migraine.
• Personalized medicine: Personalized medicine is an approach to treatment, which takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient, such as genetics and lifestyle. It is believed that personalized medicine can lead to more effective methods for treating migraine.

Part 10: Myths and facts about migraines:

There are many myths about migraine. It is important to know the truth about migraine in order to get the right treatment.

• Myth: Migraine is just a severe headache.
  • Fact: Migraine is a complex neurological disease that can cause a wide range of symptoms.
• Myth: Migraine is a psychological problem.
  • Fact: Migraine is a physiological disease caused by changes in brain activity.
• Myth: Migraine passes by itself.
  • Fact: Migraine requires treatment. Without treatment, migraine can worsen.
• Myth: Migraines triggers are the same for everyone.
  • Fact: Migraine triggers differ from person to person.
• Myth: You can’t do anything to prevent migraine.
  • Fact: There are methods of treatment and changes in lifestyle that can help prevent migraine.

Remember that the fight against migraine is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, persistent and work with your doctor to find a treatment plan that is right for you. We hope that this article has provided you with valuable information and resources necessary for you to forget about the headaches associated with migraine forever.